HONOLULU -- North Korea never misses an opportunity to miss an opportunity. The latest example occurred last week when Pyongyang precipitated yet another breakdown in the North-South dialogue process, thus dealing a staggering blow to South Korean President Kim Dae Jung's beleaguered "sunshine policy" of engagement with the North.
North Korea's actions will reduce hopes for a resumption of dialogue with the United States and could cause Pyongyang's other Western interlocutors to rethink the wisdom of strengthening their own ties with the unpredictable regime.
Just two months ago the North-South dialogue process seemed to have gained new life. Pyongyang agreed, after a six month hiatus, to resume high-level dialogue with the South. Resumed talks in Seoul on Sept. 15-18 appeared promising, as new objectives were set and promises were made regarding future meetings and proposed joint efforts.